Barrowby Road signal box was located ¾ mile north of Grantham station, where the double track line from Nottingham meets the East Coast Main Line. Just south of the box all four tracks crossed Barrowby Road (the A52) on a low bridge which has long suffered from being struck by large vehicles.
The box opened in May 1881. For 56 years, until 1937, signalmen at Barrowby Road were responsible for signalling main line trains as well as those to and from the Nottingham direction. Hence, as can be seen above, the box was built to face the more important traffic. In October 1937 the main line signals here were removed, along with those at Peascliffe box a mile further north, to facilitate the higher speed capability of the latest streamlined expresses.
On 17th October 1937 a new signalling installation was commissioned between Grantham North and Barkston South Junction which allowed the signals on the Main lines at Barrowby Road to be removed, including the tall home signal at the centre of this shot.
On the right are the Nottingham lines, and the branch to Ambergate Yard curves round beside the two tall telegraph poles.
After October 1937 the box controlled only the Nottingham lines, which involved the convergence of an Up Goods line from Gonerby and a junction for a long siding to Ambergate Yard, Grantham's original rail terminus from Nottingham, next to the canal basin.
Photograph taken by John F. Clay; photo source: Graham Cloxton.
Photograph taken by John F. Clay; photo source: Graham Cloxton.
Barrowby Road signal box closed on Sunday 4th August 1968. A more detailed history is being researched and written. If you have information or photographs that would help us please get in touch.
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